The Forbidden Forest trek and birdwatching trail – Udawattakele [2 - 3 hours]

Udawatte Kele is the only forest reserve in the Kandy city limits and is a great addition to your list of things to do in Kandy. It was once known as Uda Wasala Watta meaning the garden above the royal palace and is of significant cultural and historic value and this breathtaking forest is a hotspot for bird enthusiasts.

You will meet: Eco team [SID: 10]
Dhanula Jayasinghe is a young and dynamic environmentalist who gained a thirst for knowledge on nature and wildlife at a young age and has actively pursued his dreams ever since. He is currently reading for his B.Sc. Special Degree in Zoology at the Faculty of Science of the University of Peradeniya while having completed several training programmes on nature and leadership. He has had many published papers on subjects ranging from dragonflies to elephants. With the passion for nature still burning brightly within him, he says that he is dedicated to excelling in his chosen field.
Availability – all year around
Starting point: At the entrance to the reserve
Preferred starting time: 7.30 a.m.
Arrival and departure transport for any location could be arranged on request for an additional cost
Duration: 2 to 3 hours.
Services of an experienced local guide
Entrance fees
Bottled water
Any additional beverage or food, which would be ordered extra
Any tips for the staff
Any others expenses not mentioned in ‘Price Inclusions’ section

Tour In Brief

Sri Lanka Day Tours offers a 2 to 3-hour soft trail through the forest terrain in Udawatta Kele.

You typically start the trek from the entrance to the forest after a briefing.

Udawatta Kele is known as a birder’s paradise with its plethora of bird species and its easy accessibility. You will be able to see species including the Layard’s Parakeet, Yellow-fronted Barbet or even the Crimson-backed Golden back. The forest has a host of nocturnal birds as well including the Brown Fish Owl.

Apart from the rarer species, you will also be able to witness some of the forest’s more frequently spotted residents which include the Little Cormorant, White-bellied Sea Eagles, Common Kingfishers and Yellow-browed Bulbuls.

Apart from the birds the forest is also home to other animals including Toque Macaques, Wild Boars, Fishing Cats and Water Monitor Lizards.

There are around 460 plant species in this forest which makes it an important site for botanists and researches as well as those who take a keen interest in the subject.

Species such as Peru balsam, Mahogany and Devil’s Ivy can be found here.

You will be accompanied by one of our naturalists along the tour and you will be able to gain valuable insight into the forest, the fauna and the flora around you.

Valuable information regarding the ruins from the Kandyan Kingdom and the historical background/interesting stories behind them will be shared by the guide.